need an armorers opinion

AR/M4 AR Technical Discussion
1

I know there is a tools thread stickied but I’m looking to go a bit deeper into the topic.

I’m trying to put together all the tools I would need to work on my AR’s and am looking specifically for an upper vise / armorers block.

I threw up some pictures of the various options below and am wondering what your thoughts are, good or bad on the ones you have used.

Thanks -








2

I use the DPMS ‘claw’ upper block and the green Brownells ‘rifle’ block on a daily basis at work. I own the PRI aluminum one but don’t use it much.

When using the DPMS upper block and I have to torque past 75ft lbs I turn it sideways in the vise. And use a piece of plywood against the upper receiver against one of the vise jaws and the DPMS block on the other vise jaw. The DPMS ‘claw’ supports the receiver better than the PRI block.

3

I prefer the clam shell with a rag inbetween it and the receiver so it doesn’t scuff it.

4

What the others have said above makes sense. With the blocks you have above, you are stressing the pin lugs whenever you pull on the upper.

the blocks you show above are more convenient than a clamp block and are fine for activities like cleaning.

But if you are doing something like installing a bbl, you may want to listen to the posts above.

5

Best choice that I have found…

6

I’m not sure if this is applicable to your upper, but some of the heavier billet uppers may not work in the clam-shell. I think the Sun Devil, ASA side charger and Alexander Arms billet upper may be too meaty. Can someone else confirm?

7

Yes, with these you’ll need the DPMS claw upper block.

8

I use the DPMS.

C4

9

Thanks for the reply’s guys.

sounds like the DPMS is the way to go then.

Is there anything about the DPMS that those of you using them don’t like?, or wish was different?.

10 
 I bought the white plastic one .

 Worked fine .

God bless
Wyr